Detection system

Abstract

To provide a detection system that can detect refrigerant leaks in the middle of connecting piping while minimizing the complexity of the equipment. [Solution] The detection system 10 includes a sampling pipe 11 arranged along a connecting pipe through which the refrigerant of the refrigeration system flows, and having multiple sampling ports 11H for sampling gas around the connecting pipe; a first blower 12 arranged at one end of the sampling pipe for sucking in the gas collected in the sampling pipe; and a detection unit 14 for detecting the presence or absence of the refrigerant in the gas blown out from the first blower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection system for detecting refrigerant leakage in a refrigeration system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various methods for detecting refrigerant leakage in a refrigeration system have been developed. Refrigerant leakage occurs due to, for example, loosening of bolt tightening, corrosion, aging deterioration, etc. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an air conditioner provided with a refrigerant leakage detection device (detection unit) for detecting refrigerant leakage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the refrigerant leakage detection device disclosed in Patent Document 1, refrigerant leakage can be detected only at a specific location where the refrigerant leakage detection device is arranged. Generally, the distance between the condensing unit (compressor + condenser) of a refrigeration system and the expansion valve and the evaporator can be several tens of meters to several hundreds of meters.

[0005] For this reason, in order to detect leakage in the communication pipe connecting the condensing unit to the expansion valve and the evaporator, it is necessary to provide detection units at a large number of locations along the communication pipe, which makes the equipment complicated.

[0006] The present invention was invented to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a detection system that can suppress complication of equipment and detect refrigerant leakage in the middle of the communication pipe.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A detection system according to the present invention that achieves the above objective comprises: a sampling pipe arranged along a connecting pipe through which the refrigerant of a refrigeration system flows, and having a plurality of sampling ports for sampling gas around the connecting pipe; a first blower arranged at one end of the sampling pipe for sucking up the gas collected in the sampling pipe; and a detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of the refrigerant in the gas blown out from the first blower. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the detection system described above, sampling pipes are installed along the connecting pipes, and multiple sampling ports are provided at the necessary locations. Air samples are collected from the surrounding area at each sampling port to detect the presence or absence of refrigerant. Therefore, it is not necessary to install multiple detection units, which reduces the complexity of the equipment and allows for the detection of refrigerant leaks along the connecting pipes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A] This is a schematic front view showing one embodiment of a refrigeration system to which the detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 1B] A schematic front view showing another embodiment of a refrigeration system to which the detection system according to this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This is a schematic front view showing the detection system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the sampling piping related to Modification 1. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the sampling piping for modified example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1A, 1B, and 2. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual ratios.

[0011] Figures 1A and 1B are schematic front views showing refrigeration systems 30 and 40 to which the detection system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 2 is a schematic front view showing the detection system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0012] <Refrigeration system 30, 40> First, the configuration of the refrigeration systems 30 and 40 to which the detection system 10 according to this embodiment is applied will be described. As shown in Figure 1A, one embodiment of the refrigeration system 30 installed in the building 90 includes a condensing unit 31, a heat exchange section 32, a supply pipe 33 through which refrigerant flows from the condensing unit 31 to the heat exchange section 32, and a return pipe 34 through which refrigerant flows from the heat exchange section 32 to the condensing unit 31.

[0013] Another embodiment of the refrigeration system 40 installed in building 90, as shown in Figure 1B, includes a condensing unit 41, a heat exchange section 42, a supply pipe 43 through which refrigerant flows from the condensing unit 41 to the heat exchange section 42, and a return pipe 44 through which refrigerant flows from the heat exchange section 42 to the condensing unit 41.

[0014] The condensing units 31 and 41 include a compressor and a condenser (not shown). The heat exchange sections 32 and 42 include an evaporator (not shown), and the supply pipes 33 and 43 are provided with expansion valves (not shown) near the heat exchange sections 32 and 42. In other words, the condensing units 31 and 41 and the heat exchange sections 32 and 42 constitute a refrigeration cycle.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heat exchange unit 32 of the refrigeration system 30 is used as a cooler for a continuous transport type freezer 50, as shown in Figure 1A. In another embodiment, the heat exchange unit 42 of the refrigeration system 40 is used as a cooler for a freezer 93, as shown in Figure 1B. The heat exchange unit 32 may be used as a cooler for a freezer, and the heat exchange unit 42 may be used as a cooler for a freezer.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1A, the building 90 is provided with a manufacturing room 92 where a freezer is arranged. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the building 90 is provided with two rooms of a refrigerator 93, and a manufacturing room 94 is arranged adjacent to the refrigerator 93.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the condensing units 31 and 41 are provided in the machine room 91. Note that the condensing units 31 and 41 may be provided outdoors or on the rooftop of the building 90 or the like.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1A, a part of the supply pipe 33 and the return pipe 34 of the refrigeration system 30 is arranged in the ceiling space 95. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, a part of the supply pipe 43 and the return pipe 44 of the refrigeration system 40 is arranged in the ceiling space 96. The inner diameters of the supply pipes 33 and 43 and the return pipes 34 and 44 are not particularly limited, but can be about 20 mm.

[0019] <Detection system 10> Next, referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the configuration of the detection system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0020] The detection system 10 includes, for example, those applied to the supply pipe 33 and the return pipe 34 of the refrigeration system 30 of one embodiment, and those applied to the supply pipe 43 and the return pipe 44 of the refrigeration system 40 of other embodiments.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the detection system 10 includes a sampling pipe 11, a first blower 12, a second blower 13, and a detection unit 14.

[0022] The sampling pipe 11 is arranged along the supply pipes 33 and 43 and the return pipes 34 and 44 (corresponding to connecting pipes) of the refrigeration systems 30 and 40. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, a plurality of sampling ports 11H are provided in the sampling pipe 11 along the extending direction of the sampling pipe 11.

[0023] The multiple sampling ports 11H are designed to collect gas from around the supply pipes 33 and 43 and the return pipes 34 and 44.

[0024] In this embodiment, the refrigerant is a slightly flammable refrigerant, and the sampling pipe 11 is located below the supply pipes 33, 43 and the return pipes 34, 44. With this configuration, the slightly flammable refrigerant with a specific gravity greater than air leaks out of the supply pipes 33, 43 and the return pipes 34, 44 and moves downward, so the leakage of the slightly flammable refrigerant with a specific gravity greater than air can be detected with high accuracy.

[0025] The separation distance of the sampling pipe 11 from the supply pipes 33, 43 and the return pipes 34, 44 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 to 50 cm. The separation direction of the sampling pipe 11 from the supply pipes 33, 43 and the return pipes 34, 44 is not limited to downward, but can be in the circumferential direction.

[0026] In this embodiment, the sampling pipe 11 and the sampling port 11H are integrally formed. The material used for the sampling pipe 11 is not particularly limited, but for example, polyvinyl chloride resin can be used. This configuration prevents bending and improves workability.

[0027] The first blower 12 is positioned downstream (at one end) of the sampling pipe 11 in the direction from which the gas collected from the sampling port 11H is recovered. When the first blower 12 is in operation, gas around the sampling port 11H is collected, and the collected gas is sucked in through the sampling pipe 11. As a result, the collected gas moves downstream. The first blower 12 can be, for example, a blower.

[0028] The second blower 13 is positioned upstream (on the other end) of the sampling pipe 11 in the direction from which the gas collected from the sampling port 11H is recovered. The second blower 13 can be, for example, a blower. The second blower 13 functions as an auxiliary to the first blower 12, and if the gas can be moved downstream by the first blower 12 alone, the second blower 13 is unnecessary. The output of the second blower 13 while in operation is smaller than the output of the first blower 12 while in operation. When using the second blower 13, it should be operated at the same timing as the first blower 12.

[0029] The detection unit 14 detects the presence or absence of refrigerant in the gas blown out from the first blower 12. A known sensor can be used as the detection unit 14.

[0030] The detection unit 14 detects the presence or absence of refrigerant in the gas. If the detection unit 14 detects the presence of refrigerant, it sends a signal to the notification unit 15, which then issues an alarm to indicate a refrigerant leak.

[0031] The detection method by the detection system 10 will be explained in detail below with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the detection system 10. As shown in Figure 2, multiple sampling ports 11H are provided in the sampling pipe 11 of the detection system 10, spaced approximately evenly apart. The sampling ports 11H are designated as the first sampling port 11H1, the second sampling port 11H2, the third sampling port 11H3, ..., and the nth sampling port 11Hn, starting from the downstream side. As shown in Figure 2, the sampling ports 11H are positioned facing downwards. This configuration makes it possible to suppress the entry of dust from the air into the sampling pipe 11.

[0032] Let L1, L2, L3, ..., Ln be the distances from the first blower 12 to the first sampling port 11H1, the second sampling port 11H2, the third sampling port 11H3, ..., and the nth sampling port 11Hn, respectively. Also, let v (m / s) be the flow velocity of the gas flowing through the sampling pipe 11.

[0033] At this time, the time it takes for the gas collected at each collection port 11H to reach the first blower 12 differs depending on the distance from the first blower 12 to each collection port 11H. Specifically, the time (in seconds) for the gas collected at the first collection port 11H1, the second collection port 11H2, the third collection port 11H3, ..., and the nth collection port 11Hn to reach the first blower 12 is L1 / v, L2 / v, L3 / v, ..., Ln / v.

[0034] Therefore, depending on the number of seconds since the detection system 10 was started, it is possible to detect where in the supply pipes 33, 43 and return pipes 34, 44 refrigerant is leaking. In this configuration, for example, the gas detected at the timing L2 / v, which is the number of seconds for detecting the gas collected from the second sampling port 11H2, also includes the gas collected from the first sampling port 11H1.

[0035] As a specific example, let's consider the case where refrigerant leakage occurs in the supply pipes 33, 43 or return pipes 34, 44 near the third sampling port 11H3. In this case, it is determined that the gas detected at timings L1 / v(seconds) and L2 / v(seconds) does not contain refrigerant. The detection unit 14 then detects that the gas detected at timing L3 / v(seconds) contains refrigerant. At this time, the detection unit 14 transmits an electrical signal to the notification unit 15, and the notification unit 15 notifies the refrigerant leakage with an alarm or the like. The notification unit 15 also displays on a display (not shown) that the gas sampled from the third sampling port 11H3 contained refrigerant.

[0036] As described above, the detection system 10 according to this embodiment includes a sampling pipe 11 arranged along the supply pipes 33, 43 and return pipes 34, 44 through which the refrigerant of the refrigeration systems 30, 40 flows, and having multiple sampling ports 11H for sampling gas around the supply pipes 33, 43 and return pipes 34, 44; a first blower 12 arranged at one end of the sampling pipe 11 for sucking up the gas collected in the sampling pipe 11; and a detection unit 14 for detecting the presence or absence of refrigerant in the gas blown out from the first blower 12. With the detection system 10 configured in this way, the sampling pipe 11 can be installed along the supply pipes 33, 43 and return pipes 34, 44, and multiple sampling ports 11H can be provided at the necessary locations to collect gas around each sampling port 11H and detect refrigerant leakage. For this reason, there is no need to provide multiple detection units 14, and refrigerant leakage in the middle of the supply pipes 33, 43 and return pipes 34, 44 can be detected while suppressing equipment complexity. Furthermore, the detection system 10 according to this embodiment can be installed later at sites where refrigeration systems 30 and 40 have already been installed, thus improving its versatility.

[0037] Furthermore, the detection system 10 includes a second blower 13 positioned at the other end of the sampling pipe 11, which sends the gas collected in the sampling pipe 11 toward the one end. With the detection system 10 configured in this way, the second blower 13 assists in sending the gas in the sampling pipe 11 toward the first blower 12, so that gas can be suitably collected and refrigerant leakage can be detected even when the installation distance of the sampling pipe 11 is long.

[0038] Furthermore, the refrigerant is a mildly flammable refrigerant, and the sampling pipe 11 is positioned below the supply pipes 33, 43 and the return pipes 34, 44. With the detection system 10 configured in this way, mildly flammable refrigerants with a specific gravity greater than air leak out of the supply pipes 33, 43 and the return pipes 34, 44 and move downward, so the leakage of mildly flammable refrigerants with a specific gravity greater than air can be detected with high accuracy.

[0039] Furthermore, the sampling pipe 11 is spaced 10 to 50 cm away from the supply pipes 33 and 43 and the return pipes 34 and 44. With the detection system 10 configured in this way, condensation caused by the sampling pipe 11 being cooled by the refrigerant in the connecting pipe can be prevented.

[0040] Furthermore, the sampling pipe 11 is made of polyvinyl chloride resin. With the detection system 10 configured in this way, bending of the sampling pipe 11 can be prevented, improving workability.

[0041] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[0042] For example, in the embodiment described above, the refrigerant is a slightly flammable refrigerant, and the sampling pipe 11 is located below the supply pipes 33, 43 and the return pipes 34, 44. However, the refrigerant may be a non-flammable or flammable refrigerant, and in the case of a refrigerant lighter than air, it is preferable to place the sampling pipe 11 above the supply pipes 33, 43 and the return pipes 34, 44.

[0043] Furthermore, each of the sampling ports 11H of the sampling pipe 11 may be provided with a valve. With this configuration, by opening the valve at the location where refrigerant leakage is likely to occur among the multiple sampling ports 11H of the sampling pipe 11, and closing the valves at the other locations, the first blower 12 and the second blower 13 can be started to quickly detect refrigerant leakage at the target location.

[0044] Furthermore, the sampling pipe 111 according to Modification 1 may be configured in which multiple pipes 112 are connected by a tee fitting 113, as shown in Figure 3. Also, the sampling pipe 211 according to Modification 2 may be configured with a perforated socket 212. With sampling pipes 111 and 211 configured in this way, general-purpose parts can be used, improving workability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10 detection systems, 11, 111, 211 Sampling piping, 11H sampling port, 12 1st blower, 13 2nd blower, 14. Detection unit, 15 Hochi Department, 30 refrigeration systems, 33 Supply piping (connecting piping), 34. Return piping (connecting piping), 40 refrigeration systems, 43 Supply piping (connecting piping), 44. Return piping (connecting piping), 112 Piping, 113 Cheese fittings, 212 sockets.

Claims

1. A sampling pipe is arranged along the connecting pipe through which the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle flows, and is equipped with multiple sampling ports for sampling gas from the vicinity of the connecting pipe, A first blower is provided at one end of the sampling pipe and sucks up the gas collected in the sampling pipe. A detection system comprising: a detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of the refrigerant in the gas blown out from the first blower.

2. The detection system according to claim 1, further comprising a second blower positioned on the other end of the sampling pipe, which sends the gas collected in the sampling pipe toward the one end.

3. The refrigerant is a slightly flammable refrigerant, The detection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sampling pipe is located below the connecting pipe.

4. The detection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sampling pipe is spaced 10 to 50 cm away from the connecting pipe.

5. The detection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein valves are provided at the multiple sampling ports.

6. The detection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sampling pipe is made of polyvinyl chloride resin.

7. The detection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sampling piping is configured by connecting a plurality of pipes with tee fittings.

8. The detection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sampling pipe is composed of a perforated socket.

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